Synonym Discussion of INDIVIDUAL

special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class. special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own <special ingredients>. especial may add implications of preeminence or preference <a matter of especial importance>. specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species <children with specific nutritional needs>. particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual <a ballet step of particular difficulty>. individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group <valued each individual opinion>.

characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.

2individual

noun

: a single person : a person who is considered separate from the rest of a group

: a particular person

: a single member or part of a group

Full Definition of INDIVIDUAL

1

a: a particular being or thing as distinguished from a class, species, or collection: as (1): a single human being as contrasted with a social group or institution <a teacher who works with individuals>(2): a single organism as distinguished from a group

b: a particular person <are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone?>